they say the leaders are motivated by a desire to show they're strong on hamas. in fact, we spoke to one palestinian lawmaker who stressed the point that really this is all about politics. >> and ben, of course, one of the big concerns right now -- >> escalation was initiated by israel. there was a cease fire. there was a truce, which was violated by israel several times. unfortunately, we all don't want to have any innocent person hit or hurt, but it seems that mr. netanyahu, the prime minister of israel, decided to use israeli and palestinian blood for his election campaign. >> and certainly because there are elections planned for january of next year here in israel, it's widely expected that prime minister netanyahu will be re-elected for another term. this is the connection many palestinians are making. >> this is a delicate situation, ben. obviously all over the region, particularly for the new government in egypt. i understand there will be big demonstrations in cairo today. what are the risks right mow of egypt being drawn in fourth this conflict? >> the c